fashion vs culture

by jamiesalvatore'17

There certainly is a culture shock, to go 6,000 miles from the Western world to a, though secular, Islamic country. Namely, to see women who are cloaked entirely in black from head to toe go about their daily business. I say this, not as an ignorant statement towards their culture but rather as one of admiration for withstanding the heat; and the obvious male-enforced dress code. With a new school year having just begun, and the summer heat still in full swing, comes the ever present battle over the dress code. But reasonable length shorts and no bra straps doesn’t seem nearly as confining as down-to-the-ankle pants and something that at least covers the shoulders. I was prepared for this wardrobe change, but what I was not prepared for were remarks made behind my back after one especially hot day, and the clothes to match. Apparently my shorts and tank top made me stand out too much as an ignorant American, and (though we had experienced nothing but hospitality) we couldn’t take the chance of me being the factor that blew our cover. For the rest of the trip, I sweated my through the slights and grew a respect for all the women around me who experienced the daily heat and yet continued to honor such a core piece of their culture. And yet, I have to point out, that it is not always by choice. Our tour guide explained much of this as we walked through the streets of Istanbul. A full burka would not be a woman’s outfit of choice; but when going out, it was a necessity. Now, this varied greatly from family to family, and it was clear the restrictions were lessening. But there was still the handful for which the fact remains that their husband or father chooses what they wear outside the house. And inside, too. Many of the women, he pointed out, would strip as soon as they got home; and rightly so, I agreed. But even this act of liberation could have been at the request of their male partner.I will never know, for it will be a piece of their culture that remains mysterious even as other aspects became clear and enjoyable. The things I learned during my duration are pieces of the globe that I continue to carry around, and will forever. I learned not only their language, their traditions, and their recipes, but also to respect and appreciate the freedom I have been given in my own country. You never know how much you take something for granted until you are forced to give it up. It my case, it was something as small as my clothing choices, but there are many other aspects of our culture that I noticed were gone across the sea.